With each passing year, the pizza industry sees the advent of new taste sensations, and 2023 has not disappointed. At BroadFenlane, we're at the forefront of identifying the flavor sensations that are enthralling pizza aficionados globally. Here is our summary of the most sought-after pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a major consideration in pizza toppings, and fermented vegetables have unexpectedly emerged as popular choices. Examples such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a zesty flavor that nicely contrasts with the creamy cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings not only deliver healthful probiotics but also add novel textures to pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, adorned with our signature sauerkraut, kimchi, and bleu cheese, and a drizzle of local honey to offset the sharpness, may seem unconventional yet it's rapidly becoming a crowd favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend towards plant-based diets has dictated a surge in interest for pizzas laden with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond ordinary vegetable toppings, we're now seeing plant-derived proteins that can even appeal to staunch carnivores.
Our menu features items like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit treated as “pulled pork,” and pea protein pepperoni, satisfying a range of dietary preferences with their distinct flavors and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spiciness are celebrating, as 2023 has seen an embrace of distinctive, regional chili varieties over the common red pepper flakes. The popularity of Calabrian chilies endures, while Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are finding their way onto pizzas.
Our International Spiciness pizza presents a blend of these unique chilies, offering an individualized taste experience within each quadrant of the pie, a favorite among our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The field-to-fork ethos has extended into the woods-to-pizza movement with the increased popularity of foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing during their growth seasons.
We're also incorporating wild ramps (leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These components offer a connection to nature and flavors that are unattainable via conventional cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory that honey offers has become a staple, not merely a fad. Following the renowned hot honey of previous years, 2023 has ushered in a variety of honey options to drizzle on pizza just before it's served.
We're seeing truffle honey, garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey on nationwide menus, bringing an additional layer of sophistication to an otherwise straightforward dish.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that didn't make our top five but are still causing a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shredded atop pizzas for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains as a texture element, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, such as cultured butter or herb-infused varieties
Whether your preference is for timeless classics or you're inclined to explore audacious new flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished foods. At BroadFenlane, we celebrate time-honored traditions and welcome culinary creativity, ensuring our menu caters to lovers of both the classic Margherita and the avant-garde.
Are there any of these topping trends you've sampled recently? Or perhaps there's a unique concoction you'd hope to see? Share with us in the comments section or during your next visit!